The key argument of The Characteristics of Effective Early Learning is that how children learn is as important as what they learn. This book helps you understand how to support the learning and development of young children through promoting the characteristics of effective early learning: play and exploring, active learning, and creating and thinking critically. The book: Investigates how children engage in learning through playing and exploring, and are motivated through active learning Explores how children become creative and critical thinkers able to review their own learning and thinking, imaginatively solving problems and excited by their own Examines appropriate approaches to observation, assessment and planning Supports practitioners in reporting on how children demonstrate these characteristics for the revised EYFS profile Rich in practical examples and case studies, this is an essential read for early years students and practitioners who want to find out more about how to promote the characteristics of effective early learning in their practice. Contributors: Di Chilvers, Clare Crowther, Kim Porter, Sue Rogers, Judith Stevens, Nancy Stewart, David Whitebread "This is such a useful addition to other publications which clarify, enrich and expand on messages in the revised Early Years Foundation stage. A range of early years experts offer valuable insights on important topics linked to young children learning. The contributors write authoritatively drawing on historical studies as well as more current research. Authentic case studies vividly illustrate theoretical points. Helen sets the stage beautifully, providing a rationale, structure and sequence to a book which truly and lovingly celebrates the processes of children's unfolding development." Marion Dowling, Early Years Specialist and Vice President of Early Education "An insightful and engaging read for students and professionals within the Early Years sector that brings alive the concepts of effective learning that underpin the Early Years Foundation Stage. The book provides an excellent synthesis of developmental and pedagogic research enabling readers to make connections between theory and practice. One of the great strengths of the book is the way in which young children are celebrated as active and powerful agents in their own learning. The book allows readers to reflect on how adults can build on this to ensure that the potential for learning within each child is fully supported through effective pedagogies as well as in more formal planning and assessment. The contributing authors bring a variety of perspectives and knowledge that combine to illuminate the principles behind effective early years practice and explore how these can be translated into meaningful and supportive experiences for children." Dr Mary Wild, Principal Lecturer, School of Education, Oxford Brookes University, UK "What a wonderful sub-title 'Helping young children to become learners for life'. It is so refreshing to find, (among the plethora of new publications on child development) a book that really sees all children as 'rich children' and describes them as capable and confident learners. All the authors share their knowledge in a highly accessible manner which means I can recommend this book to both our practitioners and students undertaking first degrees and post qualifying courses. The authors clearly identify the qualities and attributes of highly effective learners. They share the view that young children come into Early Childhood Education settings hungry to make sense of relationships and the world they are growing up in. They powerfully describe the kind of skilled educators that children deserve; educators who can harness children's energy, engage with their interests and extend their critical thinking." Dr Margy Whalley, Director of the Pen Green Centre for Children and Families and the Pen Green Research Base

What children learn is important but how children learn is even more important if they are to become learners for life in today's society. In this book, Nancy Stewart brings her wealth of experience to help policy makers and practitioners articulate the importance of early childhood as a valuable stage in its own right as well as a preparation for the future.This best seller explores effective early childhood learning through exploring the characteristics of effective learning, as identified in revised Early Years Foundation Stage in England. Its content is however, applicable across the range of curricula and frameworks that govern early childhood education across the four UK nations, as well as internationally.

This new and updated edition of Characteristics of Effective Early Learning focuses on how children learn which is just as important as what they learn. The book helps practitioners understand their key role in supporting children’s self-regulation skills and learning power through playing and exploring, active learning and thinking creatively and critically. It includes new chapters on affirmative parenting practices and the crucial role of adult communication partners in supporting children’s learning. The book: • Explains how emotional and cognitive self-regulation in the early years underpins lifelong learning • Investigates how children engage in learning through playing and exploring and are motivated through active learning • Explores how children become creative and critical thinkers, excited by their own learning power and able to review their own learning and thinking • Outlines how to approach observation, assessment and planning appropriately • Suggests how to continue the characteristics of effective learning into work with older children and staff teams Written by leaders in the field, based on research and rich in practical examples and case studies, this is an essential read for early years students and practitioners. The book will support those who want to find out more about how to encourage children in becoming self-regulated, playful, active learners who think deeply and creatively about their own learning and the world around them. “Whatever kind of early years setting you work in, this book is sure to inform, inspire and enthuse you and your staff.” Sue Cowley, Early Years Teacher, Author, Presenter and Trainer “The publication provides academic evidence, practical guidance and support for undergraduates and the general reader.” Michael Freeston, Director of Quality Improvement, Early Years Alliance “Such a wonderful range of chapter contributors ensures that this book remains essential reading for students and professionals at all levels.” Dr Karen Boardman, Head of Early Years Education, Edge Hill University, UK Helen Moylett is an independent early years consultant and writer. She has been an early years teacher, a local authority adviser and a university lecturer as well as head of a nursery school and children’s centre. Helen was centrally involved in developing the Early Years Foundation Stage and has received a Nursery World Lifetime Achievement Award.

Explores the science inherent in good early years practice and provides ideas for early years teachers and practitioners.

This book aims to encourage early childhood practitioners to provide for young children’s all round well-being.

This book will address a range of issues pertinent and prominent in the revised EYFS including brain development; school readiness; engaging parents; and the rationale behind the new prime and specific areas of learning.

High quality interactions are recognised as fundamental to the achievement of outstanding teaching and learning in the early years. If you are working with children from six months to six years this authoritative new book from leading author Julie Fisher encourages you to reflect deeply on the quality and impact of interactions in your setting. Drawing on research undertaken in baby rooms, nurseries and classrooms over four years the book challenges prevailing orthodoxies and offers specific practical guidance on how to improve the quality of interactions on a day-to-day basis. With its illuminating examples, the book shows how you can best tune into and respond effectively to young children’s conversations. It exemplifies how interactions are most effectively sustained and how developing high quality interactions can better scaffold and support children’s learning and development. 'Interacting or Interfering?' • Identifies the key components of effective interactions and how implementing these can improve the quality of children’s learning • Contains transcripts of interactions from baby rooms through to Year 2 classes which exemplify key messages • Provides prompts you can use to analyse and improve your own practice Written in the author’s exceptionally clear and accessible style, this book is indispensable reading for all students and practitioners working and studying in the early years.